no pude
/no pude/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I couldn't" is translated into Spanish as no pude.
This phrase is used to say that someone was unable to do something in the past. It implies a specific instance where the attempt was made but the outcome was a failure to complete the action.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the negation no and the first-person singular preterite form of poder (to be able to).
Which one should you use?
While no pude refers to a specific failed event, no podía is used to describe a continuous state of inability in the past or to provide background information.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the phrase No pude lograrlo is commonly used to mean "I couldn't achieve it".
How does it change in a sentence?
The form no pude is the first-person singular preterite indicative of the verb poder.
How do you pronounce it?
/no pude/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, using no pude can sound like a personal excuse, while no podía shifts the blame to external circumstances beyond the speaker's control.
- To avoid sounding blunt or dismissive when saying no pude, speakers in many Spanish-speaking cultures will add por desgracia to express regret.
- The word no in the phrase 'no pude' is a direct descendant of the Latin 'nōn', a relative of the English word 'none'.
Examples in context
- No pude matar a Tom.I couldn't kill Tom.Tatoeba #3265744 by Shishir, translation #2308251 by CK
- Quería, pero no pude.I wanted to, but I couldn't.Tatoeba #2081536 by marcelostockle, translation #9367047 by DJ_Saidez
- No pude dejarte solo.I couldn't leave you alone.Tatoeba #3389931 by marcelostockle, translation #2208489 by CK
- No pude asistir a la reunión de esta mañana.I couldn't attend this morning's meeting.
- Ayer, no pude encontrarte en la fiesta.Yesterday, I couldn't find you at the party.
- Intenté resolver el problema, pero no me salió.I tried to solve the problem, but I couldn't do it.
- Me propuse hacer ejercicio, pero no pude lograrlo.I planned to exercise, but I wasn't able to accomplish it.
- 164 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier is asking Lucía why she didn't call him yesterday.
- LucíaJavier, ¿por qué no me llamaste ayer?Javier, why didn't you call me yesterday?
- JavierLo siento, no pude usar el teléfono.I'm sorry, I couldn't use the phone.
- Lucía¿Estaba roto tu móvil?Was your mobile broken?
- JavierNo, pero no pude encontrarlo por ningún lado.No, but I couldn't find it anywhere.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries no, pude, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
